Navy

Leonard Daniel Kelley, a dedicated Navy serviceman, demonstrated his commitment through multiple enlistments. His first entry into the Navy occurred on July 16, 1942, marking the beginning of his military career. After serving for three years, five months, and eleven days, Leonard was honorably discharged on December 27th, 1945, which brought an end to his initial enlistment. Years later Leonard's dedication led him to reenlist on May 10th, 1947, at the Navy Recruiting Station in Richmond, Virginia. We realized that May 10th is the 77th year since his most recent Naval enlistment.

The USS Monrovia

Leonard Daniel Kelley served on a ship called the USS Monrovia. The Monrovia was an APA-31 Attack Transport ship used in WWII and the Korean War. The ship was launched on September 19th, 1942, and wrecked on June 25th, 1959. But to learn more about this vessel we need to go back to its start.

Engagements

On May 10th, the ship launched from Norfolk heading to the Mediterranean for its first assault assignment. 2 months later, on July 6th, it departed for Sicily serving as the command ship of the Western Task Force for Operation Husky, which was the operation to capture Sicily. The Monrovia was reassigned later in the month, taking on marine troops and heading to the Pacific. Afterward, with casualties, elements of the remaining 2nd Marine division and several POW's, she returned to Hawaii. During its third operation, Kwajalein, it brought back POW's and casualties to Pearl Harbor after the assault on the 31st. Later on in June 1944, the Monrovia participated in an assault on Saipan, once again landing units of the 2nd Marine Division, in spite of reefs, mortar fire, and aerial resistance. The Monrovia once more transported casualties and POW's to Hawaii after the Battle of the Philippine Sea. The Monrovia then sailed to New Britain, took on units of the 40th Infantry Division and returned to Manus to stage the assault on Luzon. The Monrovia returned to the western Pacific after the Japanese surrender and immediately commenced transporting occupation troops and supplies to China and Japan, returning to the United States with battle weary veterans. On 31 July 1946, she reported to the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, at Norfolk, decommissioning there 26 February 1947. Following the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, Monrovia was recalled to active service. Decommissioned on 31 October 1968, she was stricken from the Naval Register the following day and was sold for scrap. During its service it earned 7 battle stars.

Leonard's Job

It is highly probable that Leonard had several deployments throughout his career, indicating diverse experiences in various naval operations. Our understanding of his background suggests that Leonard was most likely an engineer aboard the USS Monrovia, a position requiring specialized knowledge in mechanical and technical fields. His contribution to the vessel's operations and maintenance was undoubtedly crucial. Being responsible for repairing essential machinery on board, Leonard's skill set and dedication were in ensuring the vessel's operational readiness at all times. His deployments would have immersed him in a bunch of naval activities and exercises, therefore improving his abilities to tackle challenging situations effectively while at sea. Leonard's role as an engineer aboard the USS Monrovia reflects commitment to serving his country and his significant contributions to the success of various Naval missions, embodying the spirit of dedication and professionalism expected of naval personnel. Through his successive enlistments, applications for the Naval Reserve, and dedicated deployments,

his commitment to serving his country and his willingness to undertake various roles and responsibilities exemplify the qualities of a true patriot and a great naval serviceman. Leonard's contributions to the Navy, both as a regular enlisted member and as a reserve, showcase his enduring dedication and unwavering loyalty to his country, making him an outstanding figure.

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